AP772288 - CSIRO (Salaries and Conditions of Service) Award 1999

13. CLASSIFICATION LEVEL DESCRIPTORS

The following classification level descriptors apply in relation to the CSIRO employee salary structure in clause 12:

Level 1

Under regular supervision, performs duties requiring limited skills, initiative or responsibility.

Level 2

Under general supervision, applies basic knowledge and/or skills to straightforward routines and procedures using readily available guidelines and advice.

Level 3

Under technical direction, applies knowledge and skills to a range of procedures and/or techniques. May be required to solve problems of limited complexity, determine priorities within assigned tasks, vary standardised procedures or techniques and adapt to changes in work procedures or technologies. Applies communication skills relevant to the work area.

Level 4

Under general direction, applies knowledge and skills to a specific task(s) involving the application or adaptation of a variety of procedures and techniques requiring specialised knowledge. Identifies and solves more complex problems, initiates and/or follows complex instructions or procedures. Accountability for resources and the capacity to respond to and assist in implementing change are commonly features of this level. Applies well developed communication skills relevant to the work area.

Level 5

Under limited direction, applies well developed knowledge and skills to one or more specific projects or services, requiring the development and adaptation of a wider variety of specialised procedures and techniques. Requires the ability to develop, test and evaluate complex options and issues. Planning, highly developed communication skills, capacity to initiate appropriate change and accountability for resources are commonly features of this level.

OR

Under limited direction about research project objectives and general approach, undertakes scientific or engineering research requiring originality, creativity and innovation and the application of scientific or engineering knowledge, expertise and skills in a limited area. Demonstrates basic ability in research planning and execution and the capacity to think in terms of fundamentals and create hypotheses.

Level 6

Within broad guidelines, manages one or more highly significant projects or services, or undertakes work that has impact on the development of scientific or technological knowledge, on industry or on the community. This requires the application of high levels of disciplinary expertise or managerial knowledge. Demonstrates broad insight and significant skills in areas of expertise. Ability to deal with concepts requiring well developed deductive, evaluative and investigative skills that lead to outstanding work. Leadership, planning and negotiation skills, accountability for resources, initiation and management of change and well developed representation skills are commonly features of this level.

OR

Within broad guidelines on research project objectives, undertakes scientific or engineering research requiring a considerable degree of originality, creativity and innovation and the application of expert scientific or engineering knowledge. Has demonstrated ability in research planning and execution, and the judgement and tenacity required to reach research goals. May provide leadership to staff within the project, and may be responsible for the management of human, financial and material resources.

QUALIFYING STATEMENT

In levels 3, 4, 5 and 6 of the above classification level descriptors, “knowledge and skills” refers to the appropriate level of professional, technical, administrative or managerial knowledge and skills as specified in the CSIRO Classification Manual (Threshold Competencies and Principal Employment Groups). Level 3 is the minimum appointment level for professional staff.

Level 7

Under broad guidance about objectives, manages a very significant administrative program. This requires a high degree of resource management and leadership ability. Has extensive expert knowledge, and considerable ability in planning and executing projects and implementing results. Typically provides expert administrative leadership to colleagues, with significant conceptual and creative input. Plans at the subprogram level, comprising a range of related projects, to meet objectives. Typically seeks, allocates and monitors significant resources. Has a significant role in negotiating complex, sensitive or contentious issues.

OR

Under broad guidance about research project objectives, undertakes scientific or engineering research requiring substantial originality, creativity and innovation and the application of expert scientific or engineering knowledge. Has proven capacity to identify research opportunities consistent with divisional objectives. Considerable ability in research planning, execution and/or ability to implement research results. The scientist’s or engineer’s research has had a significant influence on their field of research. Typically provides scientific or engineering leadership to more junior colleagues. May plan and provide project leadership to meet objectives and seek, allocate and monitor resources.

OR

Functions as a senior specialist.

Level 8

Under broad guidance about objectives, assists in the overall strategic management of a division or corporate unit or manages a major scientific, engineering or administrative program. This requires a high degree of resource management and leadership ability. Has extensive expert knowledge of his/her field, and outstanding ability in planning and executing programs and implementing results. Typically provides expert scientific, engineering or administrative leadership to colleagues, with significant conceptual and creative input.
Plans at the program level, comprising a range of related projects, to meet objectives. Seeks, allocates and monitors substantial resources. Has a major role in negotiating more complex, sensitive or contentious issues.

OR

Under broad guidance about research program objectives, undertakes outstanding scientific or engineering research requiring a high degree of originality, creativity and innovation. The scientist’s or engineer’s achievements represent a substantial advancement in scientific knowledge or for industry or for the community. Has extensive scientific or engineering knowledge, and outstanding ability in research planning, execution and/or implementing research results. Typically has an international reputation in a significant field of science or engineering or industrial application and provides expert scientific or engineering leadership to research colleagues. May plan at the program level, typically for multiple projects, to meet objectives and seek, allocate and monitor resources. May have a major role in negotiating complex, sensitive or contentious issues.

OR

Functions as a senior specialist.

Note: Special promotion criteria apply to advancement within this level.

Level 9

Responsible for the management of a research division or equivalent group. This requires outstanding strategic and resource management, and leadership and communication ability, coupled with sound understanding of the commercial application of scientific and technological innovations. Has extensive expert scientific, engineering or administrative knowledge, and outstanding ability in planning, execution and implementing results, combined with significant entrepreneurial skill. Provides pivotal leadership reflecting considerable vision matched by strategic planning skills, achievement, drive and focus on outcomes. Seeks, allocates, monitors and is accountable for very substantial human, financial and material resources. Carries overall responsibility for negotiating complex, sensitive and contentious issues.

OR

Has such eminence in a significant field of science or engineering that appointment as a CSIRO Fellow is warranted.

OR

Functions as a senior specialist.

Note: Special promotion criteria apply to advancement within this level.